by Christina Efird, Teacher Professional Development Director, Teacher Professional Development

Teaching and learning go hand in hand. As educators, we believe in continuous learning to stay current on trends, research, and best practices for inspired learning to achieve desired student outcomes. The good news is that CMS offers so many learning opportunities from which teachers can choose based on their needs and learning profile as evidenced by the recently published Second Quarter PD Catalogue. Format-wise, more professionals are going for blended or online learning because the format compliments their busy work and life style. Joining this Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a good example of professional learning through collegial conversations in the virtual world. Another way to keep abreast of best practices from experts in the field might be checking out a good eBook for on-the-go reading without carrying a heavy load.

What are CMS teachers reading these days? For the month of October, the top three views of the CMS eLibrary are:

Coaching Conversations: Transforming Your School One Conversation at a Time

Blended Learning in Grades 4-12: Leveraging the Power of Technology to Create Student-Centered Classrooms

If you would like to read one of these and others, CMS provides you with access to a collection of 40 high quality professional eBooks in teaching and learning. These are great resources to add to your toolbox! This eBook subscription provides the following:

There are also video tutorials to guide you through the steps. Happy Reading!

Creating a Personal Account

Downloading Books to Your iPad

Using the eBook Reader

Corwin eLibrary Basics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Christina Efird started her teaching career in 1988 and has taught in CMS since 1995. She believes teaching is continuous learning and improvement and is keenly interested in digital and personalized learning. In addition to being a DEN Star and Moodle administrator, she is certified in online instruction through the Carolina Online Teacher program (COLT). She currently works in CMS Teacher Professional Development as the Director.